This course covers the principles of the Divorce Code of 1980 in Pennsylvania courts, and a comparison with other states. Emphasis is on divorce law, antenuptial agreements, separation agreements, child custody issues, child support, alimony, tax consequences of divorce, and adoptions.

VII. Required Course Content and Direction

Course Learning Goals

General knowledge of the elements of family law and practice as they relate to specific sub-areas of practice likely to be encountered in family law;

An exposure to the practical aspects of assisting a lawyer specializing in family law to serve clients in those areas of practice likely to be encountered in a family law office;

Acquisition of knowledge of the function and operation of the courts and administrative agencies in dealing with family law issues;

Fundamentals of the logistical management of a family law matter, including billing practices, communication with clients, and systemization of file management. Recognition and familiarity with specialized areas of family law practice;

Understanding and familiarity with practice and procedure in the following areas of family law practice:

preparation of pleadings;

antenuptial agreements, including preparation and interpretation, and contractual co-habitation;

Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities

Introductory Lecture, Ethics in Family Law Practice, and Overview

Dynamics of working in family law, Separation of tasks, Office manuals and checklists, Assessing your own biases, What does the client want?, Violence directed at attorneys, Ethics and malpractice,
Competence, Fees, Confidentiality of information, Conflict of interest, Safekeeping property, False statements/failure to disclose

Tax consequences of separation and divorce, Role of tax law in the bargaining process, Alimony, Deductible alimony: the 7 tests, Recapture rule, Property division, Legal and related fees in obtaining a divorce, Adoption, Kinds of adoption, Who may be adopted, Who may adopt?, Adoption procedure, Consequences of adoption, Confidentiality, Equitable adoption, Wrongful adoption

Modification of the custody order by the State that is issued the order, Jurisdictional problems and child snatching, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA), Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA), Children Abroad: special problems